Dancer and adventuress, born in Limerick, Ireland, she was married and divorced seven times. After being thrown out of Austria, she resumed her career in America, devoting herself to the cause of helping fallen women. She died in poverty in 1861 at the age of 42. DS, one page both sides, 8.75 x 13, July 29, 1860. Last Will and Testament signed by Montez just one year before her death. Written by Montez and reads in part, “‘I Eliza Gild’ commonly known as Lola Montez, Countess of Landsfeldt…First I give and bequeath to the church in the city of New York…by the name of “The Good Shepherd” the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) to be applied at the discretion and under the direction of the Rector, Church Wardens and Vestry of this said church for charitable purposes. Second, all the rest and residue of my estate, real, personal and mixed of every description, and including all that I may own or possess, or are entitled to in the City of New York…Bavaria, Ireland, Australia, the state of California and elsewhere and whatsoever situate, I give and devise to my dear friend Maria Elizabeth Buchanan , wife of Isaac Buchanan of the city of New York…and her son David Dunn Buchanan of the City of New York, and to their respective heirs.” Maria Elizabeth Buchanan was Lola Montez's executor. Isaac Buchanan was a florist and it was alleged that Lola Montez was living with the Buchanans at one point towards the end of her life. This document written by the dancer could possibly be the last one she ever wrote as she was partially paralyzed during the last year of her life after suffering a stroke on June 30, 1860. In mid-December she had recovered enough to walk with a slight limp and went out for a stroll in the cold weather. She contracted pneumonia, lingering for nearly a month before dying one month short of her fortieth birthday. Document is nicely presented a lithograph portrait by Sarony & Major of New York and a fine pen and ink title page. The document is bound in a folio volume, full crimson crushed levant, gilt lettered on the front cover and back strip inside gilt dentelle borders, Morris paper linings and end papers, gilt top, by Macdonald. Document is also accompanied by a 1941 TLS from Gimbel Brothers, stating that the original Certificate of Authenticity from Hammer Galleries is included, as well as the Hammer Galleries COA stating item came from “The William Randolph Hearst collection of works of art and furnishings.” Scattered light toning and foxing, several horizontal folds and a touch of light soiling as well, otherwise fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
